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The Basics

The Basics: Overview

Birth control (also called contraception) can help you prevent pregnancy when you don’t want to have a baby. Male and female condoms can also help protect you and your sex partner from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

How do I choose the right birth control?

There isn’t one method of birth control that’s right for everyone. Each type of birth control has pros and cons.

Here are some things to think about when choosing a birth control method:

Copper IUD – This releases a small amount of copper to prevent sperm from fertilizing an egg. It can last for up to 10 years.

Hormonal IUD – Hormonal IUDs release a small amount of hormone to prevent pregnancy. There are 4 different types of hormonal IUDs. Two kinds can last for up to 5 years and 2 can last for up to 3 years.

An IUD is very effective at preventing pregnancy. You don't feel the IUD when it’s in place – and there's nothing to do or remember.

If you have an IUD and you want to get pregnant, a doctor or nurse can easily remove it. Read more about IUDs.

The Basics: Hormonal Methods

Hormonal methods

These methods work by preventing a woman’s ovaries from releasing an egg each month. They also cause other changes that make it more unlikely that a woman will get pregnant.

Some hormonal methods work better than others, and some require more effort to use. For example, birth control pills have to be taken every day, but an implant lasts for up to 3 years once it's in place.

Hormonal methods include:

Hormonal IUD – can last for 3 to 5 years, depending on the type

Implant (a small rod put under the skin) – can last for 3 years

Shot – given by a doctor or nurse every 3 months

Patch – worn on the skin and replaced once a week, with one week off every month

The Basics: Barrier Methods

Barrier methods

Barrier methods work by preventing the sperm and egg from touching each other. Common barrier methods include:

Male condoms (worn on the penis)

Female condoms (placed on the outside and inside of the vagina)

Birth control diaphragm or cervical cap (placed inside the vagina)

Birth control sponge (placed inside the vagina)

Male latex (rubber) condoms are also very effective at preventing HIV and reducing the risk of other STDs when used correctly every time you have sex. Female condoms may also help prevent HIV and other STDs. Read more about barrier methods.

The Basics: Natural Family Planning

Natural family planning (NFP)

NFP works by learning which days a woman is more likely to get pregnant. People who want to prevent pregnancy don’t have sex on these days or they use another method of birth control.

NFP is only an option for women who have regular periods. It's important to know that NFP is not typically as effective at preventing pregnancies as some other forms of birth control, like IUDs or hormonal methods.

The Basics: Emergency Contraception

Emergency contraception

Sometimes people forget to use birth control (for example, they miss a pill or shot) or their birth control fails (like if the condom breaks).

There are 2 options for emergency contraception:

Copper IUD – A doctor or nurse will need to place this inside the woman’s uterus within 5 days of unprotected sex.

Emergency contraception pills (ECPs) – The woman will need to take ECPs as soon as possible within 5 days of unprotected sex. You can buy some ECPs at a drugstore without a prescription. To get other ECPs, you need a prescription from a doctor.

The Basics: STD Prevention

What types of birth control help prevent STDs?

Abstinence (not having vaginal, anal, or oral sex) is the only sure way to prevent STDs.

If you are sexually active, using a latex male condom correctly every time you have sex is a very effective way to prevent many STDs, including HIV. Female condoms may also lower the risk of some STDs.

Barrier methods used inside the vagina, like the female condom and diaphragm, can also lower the risk of some STDs.

Non-barrier methods (like birth control pills, IUDs, and other hormonal methods) don’t prevent STDs. If you choose one of these types of birth control, keep in mind that it won't protect you from HIV and other STDs – so you may also want to use condoms for protection.

The Basics: Formal Skirt Formal Boutique Skirt Formal Boutique Boutique How to Get It

Do I need to see a doctor to get birth control?

It depends on which birth control method you choose. You can buy some birth control over the counter. Over the counter means you can buy it at a store without a prescription. For other methods, you will need to see a doctor or nurse.

Birth control methods you can get without a prescription include:

Male condoms

Female condoms

Emergency contraception pills (ECPs)

Birth control sponge

Birth control methods you can get only from a doctor, nurse, or pharmacist include:

Depending on your insurance plan, you may be able to get these services at no cost to you. Talk to your insurance company to learn more. For information about other services for women covered by the Affordable Care Act, visit HealthCare.gov.

Find free or low-cost services near you.

If you don’t have insurance that covers birth control, you may be able to get free or low-cost birth control through a family planning clinic or community health center.

Family planning clinics provide education, counseling, and medical services (including birth control). No one is turned away for not being able to pay. To get services near you, find a local health center.

Take Action: Talk about It

Talk to your sex partner.

Some types of birth control are used by men, and some types are used by women. It's a good idea to have a conversation with your partner to make sure that both of you are comfortable with the birth control method you choose.

Skirt Boutique Boutique Boutique Formal Skirt Formal Formal And when you both understand how a method works, it will be easier to use the method correctly.

Understand the instructions.

Be sure you understand what you need to do to protect yourself from an unplanned pregnancy or an STD. If you have questions, talk to a doctor or pharmacist.

Have a back-up plan.

It's important to know what to do if you forget to use birth control or if your birth control method fails. For example, you may want to buy emergency contraception pills (ECPs) in advance. That way, you'll have them if you need them.

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200 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, DC 20201Page last updated: Thursday, September 06, 2018